The 10 Best British Milliners For Social Season

By Amy Wakeham

2 years ago

The perfect finishing touch


Spring is here, and you know what that means? That the social calendar is in full swing… and you’re going to need a hat. Or at the very least a beautiful embellished headband or fascinator. Whether you’re off to Ascot, Henley or a wedding, here are the best British milliners to make heads turn this season.

Want to know the history and behind-the-scenes info about these brilliant British milliners? Check out our guide to the best UK-hailing hat brands here.

The Country & Town House Responsible Buyers’ Guide

The Best British Milliners For The 2023 Social Season

Awon Golding

Heather Pink Crin Bird Ascot Hat, £925

awongolding.com

About The Brand: This British-Indian designer is all about fun, flirty designs with pops of colour and sculptural features.

Woman in pink hat on pink background

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Vivien Sheriff

Thyme, £1,015

viviensheriff.co.uk

About The Brand: Crafting each of her hats by hand in her Wiltshire studio, Vivien Sheriff create timeless headwear with an underlying dramatic flair.

Find information on how to rent a Vivien Sheriff hat here

Woman in floral hat made by British milliner Vivien Sheriff

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Philip Treacy

Hat with Yellow Flowers, £POA

philiptreacy.co.uk

About The Brand: While not technically British, Irish milliner Philip Treacy has spent most of his career in London – and is synonymous haute couture headwear.

Woman in hat with yellow flowers

Suzannah London

Veil Spot Boater, £680

suzannah.com

About The Brand: High-end womenswear brand Suzannah London specialises in timeless and elegant design – and its hats follow the same ethos.

Woman in blue hat and dress

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Lock & Co.

Victoria Beret, £945

lockhatters.com

About The Brand: The oldest hat shop in the world came from Lock & Co. in 1676, and has a fantastic historical client list – think Sir Winston Churchill, Oscar Wilde and Charlie Chaplin.

Woman in white beret with daisies made by British milliner Lock & Co.

John Boyd Hats

Tumbling Orchids Dish, £745

johnboydhats.co.uk

About The Brand: One of London’s most respected hat brands, John Boyd Hats has been milliner to multiple generations of British royals – from Princess Diana to Kate Middleton.

Woman in blue suit and yellow hat

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Stephen Jones

7 Onassis Veiled Beret, £684

stephenjonesmillinery.com

About The Brand: When we think of British hat makers, we think of Stephen Jones OBE. One of the leading British milliners in the industry, Stephen Jones has designed hats for world-renowned fashion houses and major celebrities alike.

Mannequin in black beret made by British milliner Stephen Jones

Rachel Trevor-Morgan

Peach Silk Pillbox with Toned Cascading Roses, £POA

racheltrevormorgan.com

About The Brand: Rachel Trevor-Morgan has been designing hats for more than 30 years and is renowned for her attention to detail, handwork and feminine designs.

Woman in green jumper and ink floral headpiece

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Laura Cathcart Millinery

Chelsea Boater Coral, £695

lauracathcart.com

About The Brand: Known for her timeless collections and elegant designs, Laura Cathcart Millinery designs hats for weddings, races, Christenings and other special occasions.

Mannequin in straw hat with flowers

Emily London

Amada Hat, £1,420

emily-london.com

About The Brand: Expect headwear for every occasion from Emily London, which crafts all of its headwear by hand from its London-based studio.

Woman in sparkly dress and red hat

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Featured image: John Boyd Hats